|
|
Dusty the magic clown New user 55 Posts |
As a street magician where do you all put your effects if you are walking around? I try to put as much as possible in my pockets, but I can't fit all of my effects, and if I use a bag doesn't that make a walk around magician? I feel as a walk around they don't seem as surprised, because they know you are a magician, and your were probably trained, instead of just some guy walking up to you and then you leave them thinking holy mackerel he's a magician!!
|
Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
I think you are talking about two different styles of performing - strolling vs. impromptu magic. For strolling magic, you are paid to be be there and you are expected to entertain the guests with magic. So, in that case, there is no harm in looking like a magician.
With impromptu magic, you don't necessarily want the spectators to know you are a magician beforehand. In that case, if you carefully pick the right time and place to perform your magic, it can have a lot of meaning and impact to the spectator. In that case, I agree that everything should fit in your pockets and appear as natural as possible. Kent Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
Daegs Inner circle USA 4291 Posts |
I really like some of the ATA cases offered by magic dealers.
Also if you check out stores like Home depot, Target, ect there are some great solutions for any performer. Check the other threads in this forum, your might find a solution there |
Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
Dusty,
For busking, a table is okay. But, I find that using a table to perform strolling close-up isn't a good way to go - it's awkward approaching a group while carrying a table. I work out of my pockets and find that's the way to work. If, for example, I'm performing for people who are waiting in a line, to have their faces painted, a caricature drawn, etc., I may keep props in a case on a stand. It depends on your performing conditions and how long of a set you will be doing. |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
For busking, strolling, kid's shows, etc. I use one of my poacher's pouches.
http://www.theambitiouscard.com/pouches/pouches.cfm They are small enough that they don't get in the way of you being a strolling magician, they're large enough to hold 4 oranges and a grapefurit if you're busking. They're extremely well finished and look very professional. Nice utility pockets inside to organize coins and other small items. outside flat pockets for pens and bus. cards. Laces can close down the mouth of the pouch so you cannot see inside, or use the supplied flap. Can be worn on the side (like I do) or in front, or swing it around back if you don't need it at the time. Out of sight, out of mind. Having something just a bit bigger like this, allows me to carry more than I would otherwise, such as ninja rings, my signed bill to balloon, silks, 3-shell game, chop cup, extra decks, etc. I use this more than anything else and I use it and nearly 100% of my gigs. If you want more photos you can see samples (among other things) here: Samples If you scroll around, you'll find them. Frank
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
First off don't be confused. The primary focus of a street performer is to be paid. If you mean walking arround and doing tricks for people randomly, well this seemed to crop up after David Blaine specials. Gazo Macie( not sure how to spell that only pronounce it) was and is probably one of the finest street performers ever to grace the street. He is famous for his cups and balls routine and my recollection is that he did it on a table.
If they don't seem as supprised by your walkarround my first feeling is you may simply need more experience at working. If your a magician people expect you to be magical. Not a problem. A surgen is going to bring his tools, not ask you to provide something from you garage to work with. Your a professional and the same is true of you. Carry a bag or a table or whatever you need to do the job to the best of your abilities.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
perceptions New user 99 Posts |
You simply have to streamline your routine if you want to work out of your pockets. Pocket management is managing the limitions of your pockets. Do you have 4 pockets or 6 pockets to work with ? Does a prop fit well in a pocket ? If not, don't use it.
You can maximize the "carring capacity" of your pockets by using props that are used in numerous effects. Can you do a full routine with a few props ? Ex: Gregory Wilson's PEN & CAP routine. Routining helps reduce pocket overloading. Borrowing items from spectators is an excellent way of reducing "pocket loads", which means that you have to be experienced at doing Impromptu Magic. Here's a link for an article on a Pocket Management System: http://www.mimesismagic.citymax.com/boar......1510.htm |
flimnar Special user Salt Lake 577 Posts |
Let me second what Frank said about his poacher's pouch. I was doing a Chidren's fair for the first time and had to carry everything with me. I read about the pouch on the Café and ordered one. It exceeded all my expectations! This thing is made of heavy duty leather and looks terrific. Whoever designed it and organized the pockets gave it a lot of thought. I'm sure there are many solutions to managing props while strolling, but this is the best I've seen.
Depending on venue, another option I just learned about is a Sport Coat by the Duluth Trading Company on the web. It is comfortable and has something like 13 pockets! A friend bought one for exactly this purpose, and I'll probably follow his example. Flimnar
"This one goes to eleven..." Nigel Tufnel
|
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I've noticed several magicians who have extra sections sewn into their pants pockets for holding certain types of coins and cards.
|
DanielSteep Inner circle 1409 Posts |
If I'm doing magic on the street (and getting paid) then I usually put it in like a lugage case that is on wheels.. if I'm not getting paid and I'm just walking around a town and stop some ppl and start doing a trick(that is what I do for practice) then I put lots in my pockets
|
Joe Xavier Regular user Borneo Islands 149 Posts |
I use a normal pouch. I cover it with a jacket I'm wearing. I had a suit tailored for me with pockets to fit enough props for formal work. I usually bring all my props in a bag (a laptop bag or a handycam bag) to the location, then I'll usually fill in my pockets with props and then start performing.
|
Jim Babcock New user 6 Posts |
As others have said there are different solutions for different situations. IMO the key is to plan the presentation and do not try to use too many different props/tools for this kind of magic. For example, if you are a cards and coin magician, then learning more slight of hand and less trick devices can reduce the total components to store to 1 deck of standard cards and a few real coins.
|
daffydoug Eternal Order Look mom! I've got 14077 Posts |
This requires much CAREFUL planning!
The difficult must become easy, the easy beautiful and the beautiful magical.
|
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
This now holds my whole act including cups and balls and loads.
http://www.theambitiouscard.com/aitem.cfm?itemid=61
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
ChrixF New user 54 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-01-01 19:18, MagicalOdyssey wrote: Yea, I find that's the best way to go, just stuff everything into your pockets. Dusty - Plan your tricks before you go out. If you've got something big or too many things, just stuff it all into a messenger bag, no one will be able to tell you're a magician seeing as how you've got an everyday bag with you. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Where to put it all... » » Street magicans where do you put it all? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |